Legal Definitions - light most favorable

Definition: Light most favorable refers to the standard of scrutinizing or interpreting a verdict by accepting as true all evidence and inferences that support it and disregarding all contrary evidence and inferences. This means that when reviewing a verdict, the court will look at all the evidence and inferences that support it, even if there is some evidence that contradicts it.

Example: In a criminal trial, the jury finds the defendant guilty of murder. The defendant's lawyer files a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, arguing that there was not enough evidence to support the guilty verdict. The court reviews the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict, meaning that they accept all evidence and inferences that support the guilty verdict and disregard any evidence that contradicts it.

Another example: In a civil trial, a plaintiff sues a defendant for breach of contract. The jury finds in favor of the plaintiff and awards damages. The defendant's lawyer files a motion for a new trial, arguing that the verdict was not supported by the evidence. The court reviews the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict, meaning that they accept all evidence and inferences that support the verdict and disregard any evidence that contradicts it.

These examples illustrate how the court uses the standard of light most favorable to review a verdict. The court will look at all the evidence and inferences that support the verdict and disregard any evidence that contradicts it. This standard is used to ensure that the verdict is based on the strongest evidence and inferences available.